Vizhinjam handles 347 crewchange operations in one year

Container ships, tanker vessels and gas tankers had used the port for crew change

With more vessels opting for outer anchorage crew change off the Vizhinjam coast, the port has emerged as a revenue source for the State government, notwithstanding the shortage of tug boats and infrastructure facilities. Inaugurating the first anniversary of the crew change operations at the port here on Thursday, Minister for Ports Ahammad Devarkovil said 347 vessels including container ships, tanker vessels and gas tankers had used the facility for seafarers to sign off and take on replacements over the last one year, adding significantly to the State’s coffers. Ever Globe, a 2.19-lakh tonnage container ship, sailing under the flag of Panama from Egypt to Colombo, was the first to use the crew change facility on July 15, 2020.